Blog

Give your face the shave it deserves with the very best natural shaving products from Village Barber – GUARANTEED!

The natural ingredients in Village Barber's Shaving Oil and Shaving Balm are perfectly blended to provide a 100% natural & paraben free product that not only allows your razor to glide effortlessly across your skin, but also moisturises and nourishes your skin for the ultimate shaving experience.

Village Barber are renowned for their Award-Winning shaving products which have become highly acclaimed by grooming professionals around the world. Shaving experts you can trust such as Craig Whitely (CEO of TheMensRoom.com and celebrity barber in LA), Aaron Wolfenbarger (writes for MaleStandard.com, Shavingshack.co.uk, plus numerous online shaving forums including badgerandblade, theshaveden, shavemyface & simplyshaving), Mark Herro (CEO of Sharpologist.com) and other trusted industry insiders testify to the effectiveness of the Village Barber shaving products.

This unique range of Shaving Oil & Shaving Balm have been developed by a professional barber with over 35 years’ experience in the industry to remove the problems associated with additives and chemicals which are added to your typical supermarket off-the-shelf shaving products. These low-quality ingredients often lead to skin irritations, razor rash, spots and other shaving related conditions.

Village Barber Shaving Oil is a ‘stand-alone’ shaving product blended from therapeutic grade natural oils, providing a silky-smooth oil that allows your razor to glide across your skin without any irritation to your face or neck. It's masculine scent of sandalwood, chamomile, sweet almond and 13 other key ingredients, creates a refreshing lift to your shaving regime, making shaving a much more enjoyable experience.

To maximise the benefits of Village Barber's Shaving Oil, it's recommended their ‘Award-Winning’ Shaving Balm is used post shave to further enrich your skin's appearance and feel.

The unique formula of their Shaving Balm makes it free from parabens, sulfates, colourants & many more additives, providing a truly 100% natural product you can trust for your face. The moisturising properties leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and rejuvenated without any irritation to your face & neck. Their Shaving Balm has even been awarded the 'Beauty Shortlist Award' for Men's Grooming, proving this is the very best in post shaving balm products.

Village Barber 100% Natural Shaving Oil got on the podium with Braun and Bolin Webb as a 2016 ‘Finalist’ in The Beauty Shortlist Awards.

With a money back guarantee, there's little reason not to try Village Barber's shaving products for yourself... Say goodbye to dry, irritated & sensitive skin and say hello to a smooth, moisturised & more nourished face... every shave!

In my experience, pro barbers' who've been around for a few years, tend to have the knowledge and experience necessary to avoid the pitfalls of the 'mainstream' companies by paying attention to 'quality' rather than 'quantity'.

It was, therefore, with eager anticipation that I trialed Craig the Barber's first release into the shaving world - Burke Avenue Moisturizing Shave Cream.

I have to say that I have been very impressed with this product. Everything about it - from the packaging to the scent and ultimately the performance - expresses a product that belongs to the luxury market - and delivers all that you look for in a quality shave cream.

It has a pleasant yet subtle floral scent (rose, geranium) and quickly conjures up a rich, luxurious lather which, unlike many shave creams, holds the moisture superbly throughout enabling a close and comfortable '2 pass' shave.

Burke Avenue Moisturizing Shave Cream really does stand out in an increasingly packed market due to its exceptional performance and, like all quality shaving products, a little goes a very long way!

Some time ago I asked if anyone who was relatively new to the 'wetshavng' fraternity wished to write a "Guest Blog" about their experiences so far for this website. The following is by Derek Sword CSCS, OMS-III who comes from Pikeville, KY USA.

Let me start by saying this…It is VERY difficult to express something to others in an articulate manner, when the subject isn’t something you're quite sure you understand yourself. You know you like something, but why do you like it? Because of how it makes you feel, or the memories it offers? What is it that keeps my mind going when it comes to the world of shaving?

Maybe it’s the history, sophistication, and classic nature that is so desirable. Maybe it’s ALL of that - and that’s what makes wetshaving a special hobby for me.

About two years ago shaving evolved from something I did on a near-daily basis - begrudging to my sleep schedule and personal hygiene as a grungy teenager. Eventually it became a routine that is nearly as elaborate as my wife’s clothing closet!

My mind can’t help but wander to a quote I read from a book recently: “It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll.”

I know, for a fact that I love to shave. I love the scents each new cream I try can provide, the feel each brush I use has on my skin. I get excited to try new products from all parts of the world. I want to break the fragrances, textures and qualities down to their basics.

I’ve had hobbies, good and bad, that have stolen many hours of my life in the past. But never, have I had a hobby where I have found so much complexity and interest all at the same time. From the time my Dad began to introduce me to names like Proraso, Genco, Torrey, Case and Boker.

My collection of 'straights'

I immediately took note of everything he said. It was like I was finally being commissioned into this “Manly Gent’s Club” after so many years of living in the dark! I was finally going to just wake up the next morning, have my steam shower, beautiful, young blonde hanging off my shoulder and straight razor in my hand, ready to conquer the world!

Needless to say, after that first day of having shaving cream running all over my face, blade marks everywhere, and razor burns for days it was much more than I had imagined!

When I discovered all that the 'male grooming' market had to offer, I was easily overwhelmed with where to start. I remember thinking there wasn’t enough money in the world to try all the Truefitt & Hill creams, the Trumper soaps, as well as the Dovo and Theirs-Issard blades.

Was it my technique that was killing my ability to master the shave? Was it the products I’ve been using that were just poor for my skin? Or was it just that I wasn’t 'sophisticated' or 'manly' enough to figure this thing out?

You see…these simple things I had never noticed before had become my biggest social priority! I wanted to run into this brand new part of my life grabbing, taking and using every shaving implement and product I could!

Instead of slowing my pace to a casual stroll, I steam rolled ahead leaving no room for my sense of “patience” to take over. Finally my Dad, thank God, decided to pull me aside and say “Derek, don’t get in a hurry. Find some things you like and use them, stick with them and learn the basics. Learn how to master the basics, you’ll eventually learn what you like the most and then you can just add to that.” Great advice indeed!

Fortunately, since that great debacle years ago, I have had the great opportunity to meet people like Iain Kane (@VillageBarber) and Craig Whitely (@CraigtheBarber) who can give professional guidance to anyone, regardless of their experience, who appreciate this ever developing art of shaving. They helped me gain confidence in what I love and also showed me that this isn’t something to be hidden or embarrassed about.

Probably, like some of you reading this, I live in a community where shaving and grooming products aren’t really spoken of at all. There are no stores for men’s products or spas where we can go for a nice hot-towel shave. Even mentioning names like Proraso, Dovo, Truefitt & Hill, or even The Art of Shaving will get you some pretty strange looks. It’s a small coal mining town where money is abundant for the very few and scarce for the very many. I love my home but boy are these people sure closed off to a lot of the things the rest of the world has to offer!

To everyone reading this then, I guess this is my take on all things 'wetshaving'. It’s from the same book I used an excerpt earlier:

“I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. But I was outside the Baghdad Theater in Portland one night when I saw a man playing the saxophone. I stood there for fifteen minutes, and he never opened his eyes. After that I liked jazz music. Sometimes you have to watch somebody else love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way.”

And that’s the sentiment I want to leave the readers of this blog with. I’ve found something different, that I didn’t appreciate before until I saw someone else love it. This elaborate form of Men’s grooming and subtle form of pampering. I have people like my Dad, Iain Kane and Craig The Barber who I look to for new products, advice, and technique to only further my appreciation and passion for shaving. These are the people from the above excerpt “showing me the way”. I want to encourage everyone reading this to do the same: close your eyes and dive in again…like it’s the first time, rekindling the passion you have for a hobby you love. Don’t let it end, don’t let it resolve, keep the music going!

P.S. Shameless plug for myself. My Dad and I restore, clean, & hone antique straight razors and resell them on eBay. We only sell them when they are at the highest restored level and shave ready. If you have Twitter, follow me @dsword10, I update our selling list weekly. If you have eBay my username is omt2013. We carry all the famous brands like Ambossmann, Wade & Butcher, Joseph Elliot, etc. Please look us up or simply tweet me. I would love to meet some of you or chat with you about wet shaving, products you’ve tried or tricks you have picked up along the way.

Mantic59 is one of the best known online personalities in the wetshaving community. His shaving-related videos have received accolades from fellow shaving enthusiasts and professional barbers alike. It was therefore my great pleasure to ask the man himself if he would write an exclusive piece for the Village Barber website. He very graciously agreed and, here it is - his personal tips on how to shave with his beloved Merkur Progress DE.

Enjoy!

Iain Kane (@VillageBarberUK)

A Merkur Progress

"It is no secret that my favorite DE razor is the adjustable Merkur Progress. I've often said that it will have to be pried out of my cold, dead hand. I have plenty of razors in my collection but I keep on coming back to the Progress. Here is how I use it with success.

First, like some other razors (such as the Bakelite Slant) there is no need for a high performance blade. My personal favorite blade for the Progress is the quite middle-of-the-road Israeli-made Personna, also sold under the Crystal brand. Derby blades--which many people dislike--also work well for me in a Progress. High performance blades such as Feathers will work in the Progress but, for me, there's something about the combination that makes it less than ideal.

Second, rest a finger on razor head when installing a blade. This will prevent the head from shifting slightly, causing an asymmetrical blade exposure on the sides of the razor.

Third, grip the razor so that its angle is more parallel to the skin. Unlike most other razors the Progress bends the blade quite dramatically so if you are used to another razor you will have to adjust your hold accordingly. I now find this grip more "natural" than other DE razors (and similar to Single Edge razors like vintage Injector or GEM units, even some modern cartridge razors).

Fourth, start mild. I always make my first reduction pass on a low setting: about "2" on my Progress will comfortably reduce the worst of my stubble(remember, Progress razor settings are not necessarily consistent across all units manufactured). Then I raise the setting for the rest of the shave (usually about "3" or so). If I need to do a "touch & cut" cleanup I will drop it back down to a much milder setting."

Iain at The Village Barber has over 30 years experience in professional shaving. Here are some of his tips for a great shave!

Myth

Sadly, the correct technique of ‘wet shaving’ is a dying art. Life, it seems, has become just too hectic in modern times to allow men the time necessary to shave properly!

With clever (and somewhat misleading) marketing, we’re led to believe that with the quick squirt from an instant foam can, immediately followed by an almost effortless glide over the beard with the latest ‘best shave ever’ multi-blade razor, we will not only exhibit a face smoother than a baby’s bottom but also be irresistible to women!

The reality however is usually quite different, right lads? Red, sore, irritable skin due largely to incorrect shaving.

Reality

The simple truth when it comes to a good, comfortable shave lays in the preparation of the beard before shaving. It’s something that simply should not be rushed. So what if it means getting up five minutes earlier in the morning, you won’t regret it! Remember, your skin is living tissue, treat it as such! A well executed shave serves not only to leave you ‘clean shaven’ but is tantamount to a beauty treatment as you exfoliate the dead skin cells from your face.

Correct Technique

The first essentials to a perfect shave are water and warmth. When hair absorbs hot water it becomes softer and easier to cut and with warmth the skin and facial muscles become relaxed, making shaving so much easier. Thus the best time to shave is after a bath or shower. Soaking a flannel in hot water and wrapping it around the face for thirty seconds can also achieve a similar effect.

Next, massage a good quality shaving oil into the beard with your fingers. This will not only help soften the beard but also hydrates and feeds the skin leading to a much smoother, irritation free shave.

If you use a top quality oil, such as my acclaimed Village Barber 100% Pure & Natural shaving oil that I use on my customers, there is no need to use a shaving soap as well. However, if you prefer to be pampered with the full works when you shave, as do my customers when I'm shaving them, you can also use a good quality, glycerine based shaving soap which helps keep the skin and beard warm and wet during the shave. Alcohol based shaving foams and gels have the opposite effect, dispersing moisture and cooling the skin, which can cause irritation whilst shaving.

The Shave

Always shave with the grain of your beard. If a second shave is required, move the blade sideways across the growth. Never shave against the grain (unless you’re professionally trained) as this can pull the skin in the wrong direction causing small cuts and ‘grazing’ to the skin and is the most common cause of ‘razor burn’, ingrown hairs and shaving rash. Always finish your shave by rinsing your face with cold water to close the pores and pat the face dry with a soft towel leaving the residue shaving oil to soak into the skin (never harshly rub your face).

Caring for the Skin

As alluded to earlier, a good wet shave exfoliates and cleanses the face, leaving smooth new skin cells. Newly exfoliated skin needs to be protected from the elements, so it is important that men use a good quality aftershave balm such as my Premium 100% paraben-free Village Barber Aftershave Balm which will feed, protect and moisturize the skin. Neverapply an alcohol based product such as cologne onto your newly shaved face as this will have the complete opposite effect and disperse any remaining moisture and almost certainly inflame the skin - as well as sting! If you want to smell great with your favourite cologne, apply it to what is known in the trade as the ‘hot spots’, the area behind the earlobes and on the sides of the neck. By doing this, you'll still smell great but you won't have damaged your skin in the process!

Happy shaving!

**Why not view Iain's shaving tutorial videos on the homepage and really get the Professional's touch when shaving!